Herd Immunity
vaccination or protection of a critical mass of people
Herd immunity, also known as community immunity, is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune to the disease, either through vaccination or previous infection. When a high enough proportion of individuals in a community are immune, the spread of the disease is slowed or stopped, making it less likely for those who are not immune to become infected.
Herd immunity is important because it protects those who cannot be vaccinated or who have weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, people with certain medical conditions, or those undergoing chemotherapy. When enough people in a population are immune to a disease, it becomes difficult for the disease to spread, reducing the risk of outbreaks and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The threshold for herd immunity varies depending on the disease. For highly contagious diseases like measles, the threshold is typically around 95% of the population being immune, whereas for other diseases it may be lower. Vaccination is the primary way to achieve herd immunity, as it can protect large numbers of people quickly and effectively.
It’s important to note that relying solely on herd immunity to control a disease can be dangerous. Waiting for enough people to become infected in order to achieve herd immunity can result in a high number of unnecessary infections and deaths. It’s important to combine vaccination efforts with other prevention methods, such as hand washing and social distancing, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
More Answers:
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